One of the world’s best fullbacks of the past 10 years will be running around at Miller Park in Dunedin on Saturday.
Former All Black Ben Smith will turn out for his beloved Green Island against Kaikorai in club rugby, bringing up his 50th game for the club, and Grizzlies chairman Blair Bezett told
Stuff that his phone "had been running hot” since they announced the news on Friday.
Smith was stranded on 49 games for Green Island when he left New Zealand rugby following the Rugby World Cup in 2019.
RUGBY PLAYERS WHO PLAYED FOR THEIR LOCAL CLUB
#1. Dan Carter - Southbridge
The All Black legend played a match for his childhood club Southbridge last month, scoring 12 points for his boyhood side. He played the full 80 minutes and scored six of his seven kicks at goal as his side beat West Melton 54-14. Following the game, Carter revealed he intends to play a bigger part at his local club moving forward.
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#2. Will Greenwood - Maidenhead RFC
Despite being better known these days for being an analyst for Sky Sports, the World Cup-winning centre continues to pass on his knowledge as backs coach of his local club in Berkshire.
#3. Shane WIlliams - Amman United
The Wales legend made a return to Welsh rugby in 2017, coming out of retirement to play for his beloved Amman United. The former Wales and British Lions star stunned spectators as he took the field for his home town side in the National League 3 West B match against Burry Port. He then played for them in a final at the Millenium Stadium. He's since played a further handful of games for the club.
#4. Mike Tindall - Minchinhampton
England legend and World Cup winner Mike Tindall plays a selection of matches for his local club, which close to his home. The legendary centre also does some coaching sessions with the backs when he gets the chance.
#5. Ben Foden (England)
The former England fullback often turns out for hometown club Chester RFC alongside his brother Tom during the off-season of Major league Rugby, where he plays for New York. Foden suited up for the England National Side for 34 appearances after he got his first cap during the 2009 Six Nations tournament and he recorded 29 starts in those 34 matches. He also got called up to the national side for the 2011 World Cup where he scored two tries.
DID YOU KNOW? In October 2019, Foden was a contestant in The X Factor: Celebrity
